Westminster Hall debates: 4 February 2014

04 February 2014

MPs debated gypsy and traveller policy and the expansion of free schools and academies on Tuesday 4 February 2014.

The debates were among five scheduled Westminster Hall debates taking place on Tuesday that will give MPs an opportunity to raise local or national issues and receive a response from a government minister.

Westminster Hall debates: 4 February 2014

9.30-11am – Gypsy and Traveller policy

Andrew Selous, Conservative MP for South West Bedfordshire, moved a debate on Gypsy and Traveller policy. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Brandon Lewis responded on behalf of the Government.

11-11.30am – Expansion of free schools and academies

Mr Mark Hoban, Conservative MP for Fareham, moved a debate on Expansion of free schools and academies. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Elizabeth Truss, responded on behalf of the Government.

2.30-4pm – Regional arts and culture funding

Paul Blomfield, Labour MP for Sheffield Central, moved a debate on Regional arts and culture funding. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Mr Edward Vaizey, responded on behalf of the Government.

4-4.30pm – Government steps to promote independent retail

Bill Esterson, Labour MP for Sefton Central, moved a debate on Government steps to promote independent retail. The Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Michael Fallon, responded on behalf of the Government.

4.30-5pm – Investment in pavements

Dr Julian Huppert, Liberal Democrat MP for Cambridge moved a debate on Investments in pavements. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Stephen Williams, responded on behalf of the Government.

Westminster Hall debates

On Tuesdays and Wednesdays there are two one and a half hour debates and three half hour debates. The longer debates are intended for broader subjects where a number of MPs will want to speak. The shorter debates may focus on an issue that an MP may want to raise about their constituency.

Two ballots are held on the Wednesday of the previous week for each type of debate; MPs may enter into both ballots but can only be successful in one.

Each government department responds to the debates every other week according to a rota.

The Chair is taken by a member of the Panel of Chairs, with the same duties and powers conferred on Deputy Speakers.

Watching Westminster Hall debates from the public gallery

UK residents and overseas visitors can watch proceedings in the House of Commons by visiting the public galleries.